HP recalls laptop batteries for overheating...again

Lithium-ion batteries used in HP notebook computers and mobile work station are under recall because they could overheat and burn someone, or even catch fire.

According to the recall notice, around 50,000 units are affected, representing batteries shipped with notebooks and mobile workstations sold from December 2015 through December 2017. Numerous batteries, however, are internal to the notebooks and mobile workstations, meaning a technician's services will be necessary to replace them.

And it seems that these affected batteries are sealed within the laptop, meaning their removal and replacement is not a job that the customer can perform. So far, HP has received eight reports of battery packs getting too hot and melting or charring. The company has also claimed it's just about a single percentage point of all laptops it has sold that has been found to have a defective battery.

The company will send those impacted by the fault a free battery replacement, as well as help organise an appointment to actually get it replaced. 'During the reboot process, an option will be presented to enable Battery Safety Mode, ' HP explains.

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HP has issued a voluntary worldwide recall after discovering a problem with laptop batteries. "HP is proactively notifying customers, and will provide replacement battery services for each verified, eligible battery, at no cost". It added, "HP's primary concern is for the safety of our customers".

Why this matters: Battery recalls happen every so often, often due to manufacturing issue.

To keep users safe while the recall is in progress, HP has also released a firmware update which introduces a new Battery Safety Mode setting.

This mode will discharge the battery and prevent it from being recharged until the battery is replaced.

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